News
Improving Indigenous Health in Australia
Indigenous Australians face significant health challenges compared to non-Indigenous Australians. On average, Indigenous Australians live about 8 to 9 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. At Isaac Navicare, we are dedicated to helping close the health gap faced by Indigenous communities in Australia. The health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians are very important issues that need our ongoing attention and care.
We’d like to hear from you!
The Navicare model was developed by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology and Wesley Research Institute in consultation with the local community in 2020. In order to understand if this model is working for you, your region, and if it would work in other regions, we’d like to hear from users of the Navicare service or from people who have tried to access services in the region.
Attendance at Regional Ministerial Meeting
In a significant step towards improving mental health services across Queensland, Mental Health Care Navigator Kelly McGrath has showcased the impressive achievements of Isaac Navicare at a recent regional ministerial cabinet meeting and Town Hall meeting in Mackay in May. Attended by the Honourable Steven Miles, MP, Premier of Queensland, cabinet ministers and over 200 locals, the event highlighted the critical role of Navicare in addressing mental health needs in rural and remote communities. The Honourable Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, alongside Michael Walsh, Director-General of Queensland Health, were among the key attendees.
Postnatal Depression and Anxiety
Childbirth is a joyful event for many, but it can also bring significant physiological, social, and emotional changes that negatively impact overall physical and mental wellbeing. Many parents initially feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. However, these feelings generally resolve quickly. When these feelings persist, it can be indicative of a more serious mental health issue.
Globally, postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) is the most common birth complication.
JCU Health Careers Expo
Mental Health Care Navigator Keeley Ryan had the pleasure of attending two careers' expos organised by James Cook University’s Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health. Students from Moranbah, Middlemount, and Dysart high schools attended the careers’ expo in Dysart on February 28 at the Dysart Community Centre, while students from Capella and Clermont high schools attended the one in Clermont at Clermont State High School on March 13. Keeley provided guidance to students and hopefully inspire them to pursue a career in mental health care.
Isaac Navicare Pilot Evaluation
Our new study published this week in PLOS ONE demonstrated how supportive mental health care navigation can help reduce healthcare inequities faced by people living in rural and remote Queensland. Kelly McGrath, Care Navigator, and Dr Olivia Fisher, Senior Research Fellow at the Wesley Research Institute, led an evaluation of Isaac Navicare’s uptake and effectiveness during the initial 12-month pilot.
Michelle Landry Visit
Mental Health Care Navigators Kelly McGrath and Keeley Ryan, and CEO of Wesley Research Institute Andrew Barron met with the Honourable Michelle Landry, Federal Member of Parliament for the Capricornia region in Moranbah to discuss the vital needs of mental health support in the region, and the important role Isaac Navicare plays in supporting the Isaac community.
The Bridging Study Update
The team from Queensland University of Technology ‘The Bridging Study’ spoke with members of the Moranbah community and others in the Greater Whitsunday Region to determine the next site for the Navicare service. After considering a range of factors, Clermont was chosen as the newest site for the service.
Experiencing Grief and Loss
In the complex journey of life, grief and loss are sometimes unavoidable. Grief is something that is experienced very individually, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. The process can take longer for some people than others. Things such as the type of loss, your previous experience of loss, your culture and beliefs, and the support you have available all influence the grieving process.
The Bridging Study
In 2020, researchers from the Queensland University of Technology partnered with Wesley Research Institute and local communities to develop and pilot the Navicare in Moranbah, Queensland, with the aim of improving access to mental health services in rural and remote areas.
Mitsubishi partnership
On Thursday 6 July Wesley Research Institute and Mitsubishi Development signed a new partnership, the largest for Mitsubishi Development in Australia, which will provide significant funding for Navicare over the next two years.
What is Depression?
Feelings of sadness are a normal part of life, especially when you are going through difficult situations. However, if these feelings last for longer than two weeks and begin to impact your work, schoolwork, or relationships, it may be a sign you have depression.
Mental Health Morning Tea
Thursday, September 14 is RUOK Day. Running since 2009, the annual event emphasises the importance of recognising the signs of poor mental health, and then having a conversation to check if someone is ok.
Sleep and mental health
Have you ever spent the night tossing and turning, or staring at the ceiling wondering if you’ll *ever* get to sleep? Everyone has a bad night’s sleep every now and then, but what are the impacts of long-term poor-quality sleep? And what are the effects on our mental health?
Children and screen time
Screen time is an unavoidable fact of life these days. We use technology at school and work, and in our leisure time for social media and gaming. There’s been a lot of discussion around how much screen time is appropriate, and the positives and negatives of screen time, but we also need to consider the impacts on the mental health of our teenagers, who are spending more and more time digitally distracted.
Moranbah Town Hall
Isaac locals have an opportunity to discuss mental health needs and the possible expansion of the Navicare mental health care navigation service.
Effectiveness of Telehealth Psychology
Many people wonder about how having their psychology sessions via Telehealth compares to having them face-to-face. Here, we take a look at the effectiveness of Telehealth psychology, and how to get the most out of your Telehealth psychology sessions.
Exercise and mental health
Everyone knows the many benefits exercise has on our physical health, but did you know that exercise can improve our mental health too?
Regular exercise can help with preventing or managing symptoms of anxiety and depression in many ways.
Navicare Turns One!
Isaac Navicare officially turned one on November 9, 2022, and in that time, we have helped over 200 people within the Isaac to access the right mental health services for their needs.
Help Us to Improve Navicare
We’ve learned a lot in our first year of operation, but there’s always room for improvement. Wesley Research Institute is conducting an anonymous survey to get your suggestions on how Navicare can improve the way that we support people on their mental health journey.